Tessuti, Gateshead

The Metro Centre, lying on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead has a vast catchment area attracting shoppers from all over the North; Tyneside, Northumberland, County Durham and further afield; Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland.  For here mostly fields and cattle preside and many miles can be covered in very little time.

Forever reinventing and reshaping itself, the Metro Centre has recently begun work on its Platinum Gallery, where simply the best premium fashion will be housed.  And this is where designer menswear retailer, Tessuti has chosen to open its new flagship store launching its ‘new look’.

What started in 1985 as a small independent with a passion for sartorial wear, stocking Giorgio Armani, Nino Cerruti, Gianni Versace has stood the test of time.  It doubled in size in 1992 and then quadrupled in 1998 having 10,000 square feet over three floors.  Tessuti became the country’s first independent designer superstore to bring top brands to men, women and children. 

At the end of last year, the menswear specialist embarked upon another exciting transition developing a new concept for future high street and mall stores across the nation.  A close allegiance was formed between the retailer and The Yard Creative in order to formalise the brand for a new era.  Tessuti translated from Italian into English means textile and this was a defining element of the new concept.

The designers were commissioned to create a premium shopping environment that reflects the aspirations and desires of both Tessuti and their customers.  The resulting store does just that.  Quality is evident in everything, from the clothes to the highly polished marble flooring and mirrored pillars.  This is a prestigious environment where the role of the fixtures and fittings is equally as vital as the merchandise in conveying the tone. 

The slatwall panels on the perimeter walls are glossy, pale grey and sleek with narrow vertical slits for hooks and shelving.  Clothing is beautifully presented folded on wooden shelves and hung on rails.  Freestanding display tables combine stark white tops with antique bronze angular supports and luscious red gum timber boxes.  Jeans and casual wear are folded and displayed here with precision.  Freestanding hanging rails follow suit with white bases and antique bronze rails and supports.

The shoe department forms a brilliant white cube at the back of the store.  The entire area is flooded with diffused light and has glass shelving and a red gum timber base.  The shoes appear jewel like in quality set against the crisp whiteness of the walls.  The ceiling mirrors the floor in colour, mostly white with a black channel around the edge.  The inset spotlights can be seen reflected in the shiny floor below.  Hanging lamps complete the look. 

Finally, we must pay homage to the word that shaped this new format, Tessuti, or textile.  Taking its inspiration from our once thriving textile industry; dressed tailors dummies, decorative cotton spools and looms where cloth was once woven have been integrated into this chic environment.  Yellow, orange and gold yarns traverse the ceiling as if waiting to be woven on one of the looms.  More spools full of yellow, orange and gold yarn also form the back drop to the bespoke red gum timber counter and the focal point of the store. 

Symmetry and geometric shapes have been used throughout the design to represent the relationships of points, lines and angles that make up textiles and to ensure that the story of the creation of clothing is ingrained within the fabric of the space, giving the brand credibility and authenticity.   A great concept that perfectly combines classic styling with high end contemporary finishes.  Look out for a new store near you soon!

Images courtesy of The Yard Creative